Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Warning after worldwide debt reaches 322% of GDP
Worldwide debt reached 322% of GDP last year, according to new figures which will worry governments planning post-coronavirus economic recoveries.
WHO Boss Defends Agency After Trump Threatens To Cut Funding
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) rushed to defend his agency's handling of the coronavirus pandemic after President Donald Trump threatened to cut U.S. funding to them. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed for unity and a halt to "politicization" of the global health crisis, saying China and the United States should show "honest leadership."
Saudi-led Coalition Announces Cease-fire in Yemen War
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said Wednesday that it was halting military operations nationwide in support of U.N. efforts to end a five-year war that has killed over 100,000 people and spread hunger and disease.
WHO:'Hundreds In Quarantine In North Korea'
The World Health Organization said Tuesday it had received assurances from North Korea that it continues testing for the new coronavirus and has more than 500 people in quarantine. The leadership of North Korea, one of the world's most repressive states, has so far claimed there are no confirmed cases of the virus, known as COVID-19.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue & White and Likud trade blows over unity government delay
Blue & White and Likud on Wednesday accused each other of stalling the negotiations to form a unity government and backing out of agreements.
Top Hezbollah leader assassinated in Lebanon
A top Hezbollah commander close to Qassem Soleimani was assassinated in Lebanon Saturday night, following several months of seeming détente between the US and Iran.
Inside the United States
U.S. Senator Sanders Ends Presidential Bid
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the socialist democrat who pledged to lead a political revolution into the White House, has ended his presidential bid. He left the race after his once-strong lead in the Democratic primary evaporated as the party's establishment lined swiftly up behind rival Joe Biden. The Vermont senator's announcement came as a setback for many young people supporting Sanders. But it cleared a significant hurdle for Biden, who is now the expected Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in a general election overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Appeals Court upholds Texas ban on most abortions during coronavirus pandemic
A federal Court of Appeals has allowed Texas to continue its ban on most abortions during the coronavirus pandemic. Tuesday’s ruling overturns a lower court’s decision to block the state’s ban on non-essential abortions. The ban remains in place while the case moves on to be heard by a federal court in Austin next week.
Bernie Sanders loses Democratic primary, Biden the presumptive nominee
Bernie Sanders conceded defeat in the Democratic presidential primary Wednesday, vowing to help presumptive nominee for president Joe Biden forward the progressive agenda from the sidelines.
U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Resigns Over Comments
Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly has resigned after his controversial comments of the officer he fired as captain of a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, officials confirmed. Modly had come under fire for dismissing Captain Brett E. Crozier, last week, saying Crozier had shown "extremely poor judgment." He referred to Crozier distributing a letter calling for urgent help with the virus COVID-19 outbreak aboard his ship.
Christian News
Mystery Surrounds Jailed Chinese Christian Jiang Zhanchun
Concerns remained Thursday over the whereabouts of a jailed Christian in China after authorities prevented his wife from sending him money and clothes, Christian activists say. Jiang Zhanchun was arrested in China's capital Beijing last year when he and his wife discussed opportunities to be baptized with Christian leaders of a Beijing house church, according to the letter seen by Worthy News.
Christian father and husband in India beaten in front of family, refuses to renounce Jesus
A young Christian family in India once considered cursed by their village was attacked by a mob wielding sticks, the husband beaten unconscious before his wife and two children.
'Hope is Rising, Even in the Midst of Tragedy': NYC Churches Pray God Will Bring Many to Jesus in This Crisis
As the coronavirus hammers New York, churches continue to serve the needs of the community and pray for an end to the outbreak.
Online US church services have attracted fewer viewers than expected
A study has found that only 28% of Americans have watched on-line church services since coronavirus stay-at-home orders shut the majority of church doors. Conducted by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), the study also found the low level of viewership was despite a majority of Americans reporting they have become more religious since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Warning after worldwide debt reaches 322% of GDP
Worldwide debt reached 322% of GDP last year, according to new figures which will worry governments planning post-coronavirus economic recoveries.
WHO Boss Defends Agency After Trump Threatens To Cut Funding
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) rushed to defend his agency's handling of the coronavirus pandemic after President Donald Trump threatened to cut U.S. funding to them. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed for unity and a halt to "politicization" of the global health crisis, saying China and the United States should show "honest leadership."
Saudi-led Coalition Announces Cease-fire in Yemen War
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said Wednesday that it was halting military operations nationwide in support of U.N. efforts to end a five-year war that has killed over 100,000 people and spread hunger and disease.
WHO:'Hundreds In Quarantine In North Korea'
The World Health Organization said Tuesday it had received assurances from North Korea that it continues testing for the new coronavirus and has more than 500 people in quarantine. The leadership of North Korea, one of the world's most repressive states, has so far claimed there are no confirmed cases of the virus, known as COVID-19.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue & White and Likud trade blows over unity government delay
Blue & White and Likud on Wednesday accused each other of stalling the negotiations to form a unity government and backing out of agreements.
Top Hezbollah leader assassinated in Lebanon
A top Hezbollah commander close to Qassem Soleimani was assassinated in Lebanon Saturday night, following several months of seeming détente between the US and Iran.
Inside the United States
U.S. Senator Sanders Ends Presidential Bid
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the socialist democrat who pledged to lead a political revolution into the White House, has ended his presidential bid. He left the race after his once-strong lead in the Democratic primary evaporated as the party's establishment lined swiftly up behind rival Joe Biden. The Vermont senator's announcement came as a setback for many young people supporting Sanders. But it cleared a significant hurdle for Biden, who is now the expected Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in a general election overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Appeals Court upholds Texas ban on most abortions during coronavirus pandemic
A federal Court of Appeals has allowed Texas to continue its ban on most abortions during the coronavirus pandemic. Tuesday’s ruling overturns a lower court’s decision to block the state’s ban on non-essential abortions. The ban remains in place while the case moves on to be heard by a federal court in Austin next week.
Bernie Sanders loses Democratic primary, Biden the presumptive nominee
Bernie Sanders conceded defeat in the Democratic presidential primary Wednesday, vowing to help presumptive nominee for president Joe Biden forward the progressive agenda from the sidelines.
U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Resigns Over Comments
Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly has resigned after his controversial comments of the officer he fired as captain of a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, officials confirmed. Modly had come under fire for dismissing Captain Brett E. Crozier, last week, saying Crozier had shown "extremely poor judgment." He referred to Crozier distributing a letter calling for urgent help with the virus COVID-19 outbreak aboard his ship.
Christian News
Mystery Surrounds Jailed Chinese Christian Jiang Zhanchun
Concerns remained Thursday over the whereabouts of a jailed Christian in China after authorities prevented his wife from sending him money and clothes, Christian activists say. Jiang Zhanchun was arrested in China's capital Beijing last year when he and his wife discussed opportunities to be baptized with Christian leaders of a Beijing house church, according to the letter seen by Worthy News.
Christian father and husband in India beaten in front of family, refuses to renounce Jesus
A young Christian family in India once considered cursed by their village was attacked by a mob wielding sticks, the husband beaten unconscious before his wife and two children.
'Hope is Rising, Even in the Midst of Tragedy': NYC Churches Pray God Will Bring Many to Jesus in This Crisis
As the coronavirus hammers New York, churches continue to serve the needs of the community and pray for an end to the outbreak.
Online US church services have attracted fewer viewers than expected
A study has found that only 28% of Americans have watched on-line church services since coronavirus stay-at-home orders shut the majority of church doors. Conducted by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), the study also found the low level of viewership was despite a majority of Americans reporting they have become more religious since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Around the World
Powerful Cyclone Harold tears through South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu
Cyclone Harold tore through the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu for the second day on Tuesday. Buildings collapsed and communications were cut off in some parts of the island. As of Tuesday afternoon, no casualties had been reported.
Japan declares state of emergency, nearly $1 trillion stimulus for coronavirus
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared a state of emergency to fight coronavirus infections in major population centers and rolled out a nearly $1 trillion stimulus package to soften the economic blow.
Brexit trade deal gets tougher as coronavirus strikes officials on both sides
The Brexit trade deal will face greater challenges ahead as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now in intensive care because of the coronavirus, while other key negotiators have either been infected or are in self-isolation.
Google launches 'mobility' project that traces human activities worldwide
Americans are going to transit stations, retail and recreation locations and workplaces much less frequently now than they were just a month ago, according to a new mobility project from Google that traces human movements worldwide.
Spectacular Super Moon to light up skies on April 7th and 8th
A spectacular Super Moon is set to appear in the night skies on April 7th and 8th. The best time to see it is anywhere in the world will be after sunset, when the moon rises over the eastern horizon, VOA reports. Those without an east-facing view should be able to see an equally spectacular moonset on April 8.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Sanhedrin petitions Israeli government to perform Passover sacrifice -- Rabbis hopeful
The Sanhedrin is anxiously awaiting a response from the Israeli government about whether it will be able to perform the Passover sacrifice on the Temple Mount for the first time since the second temple in the first century AD.
Inside the United States
Trump holds meeting on small business relief, seeks $250 billion more for payrolls
As Congress races to craft the next coronavirus rescue package, President Donald Trump’s sudden request Tuesday to pump $250 billion more into a just-launched payroll program for small businesses may hit roadblocks.
U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Resigns Over Comments
Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly has resigned after his controversial comments of the officer he fired as captain of a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, officials confirmed. Modly had come under fire for dismissing Captain Brett E. Crozier, last week, saying Crozier had shown "extremely poor judgment." He referred to Crozier distributing a letter calling for urgent help with the virus COVID-19 outbreak aboard his ship.
Christian News
Attacks by Muslim Fulani against Nigerian Christians continue unabated
Muslim Fulani herdsmen have killed more than 60 Christians in the last month in Nigeria, confirming a warning in January by a major Christian watchdog group that genocide was looming.
Barna President Tells CBN News Online Church Attendance Up, Giving Down, Right Before First Digital Easter in History
Churches continuing to hold in-person worship services came under fire from elected officials and other critics Sunday who fear the gatherings put parishioners at risk for catching the coronavirus.
Record low number of Americans hold biblical worldview, survey says
Only 6 percent of Americans possess a biblical worldview, according to a new survey.
Powerful Cyclone Harold tears through South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu
Cyclone Harold tore through the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu for the second day on Tuesday. Buildings collapsed and communications were cut off in some parts of the island. As of Tuesday afternoon, no casualties had been reported.
Japan declares state of emergency, nearly $1 trillion stimulus for coronavirus
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared a state of emergency to fight coronavirus infections in major population centers and rolled out a nearly $1 trillion stimulus package to soften the economic blow.
Brexit trade deal gets tougher as coronavirus strikes officials on both sides
The Brexit trade deal will face greater challenges ahead as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now in intensive care because of the coronavirus, while other key negotiators have either been infected or are in self-isolation.
Google launches 'mobility' project that traces human activities worldwide
Americans are going to transit stations, retail and recreation locations and workplaces much less frequently now than they were just a month ago, according to a new mobility project from Google that traces human movements worldwide.
Spectacular Super Moon to light up skies on April 7th and 8th
A spectacular Super Moon is set to appear in the night skies on April 7th and 8th. The best time to see it is anywhere in the world will be after sunset, when the moon rises over the eastern horizon, VOA reports. Those without an east-facing view should be able to see an equally spectacular moonset on April 8.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Sanhedrin petitions Israeli government to perform Passover sacrifice -- Rabbis hopeful
The Sanhedrin is anxiously awaiting a response from the Israeli government about whether it will be able to perform the Passover sacrifice on the Temple Mount for the first time since the second temple in the first century AD.
Inside the United States
Trump holds meeting on small business relief, seeks $250 billion more for payrolls
As Congress races to craft the next coronavirus rescue package, President Donald Trump’s sudden request Tuesday to pump $250 billion more into a just-launched payroll program for small businesses may hit roadblocks.
U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Resigns Over Comments
Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly has resigned after his controversial comments of the officer he fired as captain of a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, officials confirmed. Modly had come under fire for dismissing Captain Brett E. Crozier, last week, saying Crozier had shown "extremely poor judgment." He referred to Crozier distributing a letter calling for urgent help with the virus COVID-19 outbreak aboard his ship.
Christian News
Attacks by Muslim Fulani against Nigerian Christians continue unabated
Muslim Fulani herdsmen have killed more than 60 Christians in the last month in Nigeria, confirming a warning in January by a major Christian watchdog group that genocide was looming.
Barna President Tells CBN News Online Church Attendance Up, Giving Down, Right Before First Digital Easter in History
Churches continuing to hold in-person worship services came under fire from elected officials and other critics Sunday who fear the gatherings put parishioners at risk for catching the coronavirus.
Record low number of Americans hold biblical worldview, survey says
Only 6 percent of Americans possess a biblical worldview, according to a new survey.
Around the World
Britain's Johnson Rushed To Intensive Care With Coronavirus
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was rushed to the intensive care unit at a London hospital after his condition worsened in a battle with the new coronavirus, COVID-19. "Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened, and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital," said his Downing Street office in a statement. "The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputize for him where necessary."
U.S. And Britain Bracing For Deadly Week
The United States and Britain braced Monday for what officials viewed as one of their darkest weeks in post-war memory as the social and financial toll of the coronavirus pandemic mounted and the British prime minister was in the hospital with the virus. Monday's glooming scenario came as Italy, Spain, and France saw signs that they were flattening the pandemic curve, despite many people still dying there.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Rabbi: Supermoon presages messianic "night of miracles" over Passover
Rabbis in Israel are pointing to a portentous sign occurring on three major Jewish holidays this year as an indication that redemption and the construction of a third temple are imminent.
Israel Expects a Full Nationwide Lockdown on Passover
The country is in a near-total lockdown with residents forbidden from traveling more than 328 feet away from their homes. Health Ministry Deputy Director-General Itamar Grotto told Army Radio on Monday that Israel will probably enforce a full lockdown on Wednesday, the first night of Passover.
Inside the United States
Poll finds almost half of Americans see coronavirus crisis as wake-call to return to God
According to a recent survey, 43.4% of American adults believe the coronavirus crisis is a wake-up call for the US to return to God. Nearly three-in-ten respondents (29.4%) said they think the outbreak and subsequent financial devastation are signs of the Biblical “Last Days.” The poll was conducted for the Joshua Fund (JF), a major US Christian charity.
Trump signs executive order to support moon mining, tap asteroid resources
The water ice and other lunar resources that will help the United States establish a long-term human presence on the moon are there for the taking, the White House believes.
Supreme Court won't hear challenge to DC Metro ban on religious ads
The Supreme Court on Monday said it would not take up the Catholic church's challenge to the Washington, D.C., transit authority's policy banning religious ads, allowing the policy to remain in place.
Christian News
Iran Releases Another Jailed Christian Convert
Iranian authorities have released another Christian convert from prison amid concerns the new coronavirus COVID-19 could spread in overcrowded jails, Christian activists said Monday. Amin Khaki, 38, learned from prison authorities Monday that he should not return to jail, confirmed well-informed advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC). "It is expected that he will be able to reclaim the money put down as security," MEC told Worthy News.
Sri Lanka eyes "anti-conversion" law that could harm Christians
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is calling for the establishment of an "anti-conversion" law he claims will "save this country" from the phenomenon of people converting from Buddhism to other religions, Christians say as a pretext for persecution.
Christians across America gather to pray for medical staff and patients
Christians across America drove to hospitals last week to pray for medical staff and coronavirus patients. States involved in the “park and pray” initiative included Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida. Those who attended the prayer gatherings were instructed to practice social distancing so as not to risk spreading the virus.
Texas Governor decrees religious services are "essential services"
In an amendment to his March 19 executive order on limiting the spread of coronavirus, the Governor of Texas has decreed that attending “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship” is as important as shopping for food or going to medical appointments. The executive amendment came into effect on April 2.
Burmese military jets burn Christian villages
The Burmese military allowed its jets to open fire on four Christian villages in the predominantly Buddhist country in March, killing 21 people and forcing thousands of others to flee to a neighboring region.
Iran Frees Christian Converts Over Coronavirus Concerns
Iran has released a Christian woman who was jailed after refusing to reconvert to Islam, activists confirmed to Worthy News. Rokhsareh (Mahrokh) Ghanbari, 62, is among some 85,000 prisoners freed in recent weeks amid concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19.
Britain's Johnson Rushed To Intensive Care With Coronavirus
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was rushed to the intensive care unit at a London hospital after his condition worsened in a battle with the new coronavirus, COVID-19. "Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened, and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital," said his Downing Street office in a statement. "The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputize for him where necessary."
U.S. And Britain Bracing For Deadly Week
The United States and Britain braced Monday for what officials viewed as one of their darkest weeks in post-war memory as the social and financial toll of the coronavirus pandemic mounted and the British prime minister was in the hospital with the virus. Monday's glooming scenario came as Italy, Spain, and France saw signs that they were flattening the pandemic curve, despite many people still dying there.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Rabbi: Supermoon presages messianic "night of miracles" over Passover
Rabbis in Israel are pointing to a portentous sign occurring on three major Jewish holidays this year as an indication that redemption and the construction of a third temple are imminent.
Israel Expects a Full Nationwide Lockdown on Passover
The country is in a near-total lockdown with residents forbidden from traveling more than 328 feet away from their homes. Health Ministry Deputy Director-General Itamar Grotto told Army Radio on Monday that Israel will probably enforce a full lockdown on Wednesday, the first night of Passover.
Inside the United States
Poll finds almost half of Americans see coronavirus crisis as wake-call to return to God
According to a recent survey, 43.4% of American adults believe the coronavirus crisis is a wake-up call for the US to return to God. Nearly three-in-ten respondents (29.4%) said they think the outbreak and subsequent financial devastation are signs of the Biblical “Last Days.” The poll was conducted for the Joshua Fund (JF), a major US Christian charity.
Trump signs executive order to support moon mining, tap asteroid resources
The water ice and other lunar resources that will help the United States establish a long-term human presence on the moon are there for the taking, the White House believes.
Supreme Court won't hear challenge to DC Metro ban on religious ads
The Supreme Court on Monday said it would not take up the Catholic church's challenge to the Washington, D.C., transit authority's policy banning religious ads, allowing the policy to remain in place.
Christian News
Iran Releases Another Jailed Christian Convert
Iranian authorities have released another Christian convert from prison amid concerns the new coronavirus COVID-19 could spread in overcrowded jails, Christian activists said Monday. Amin Khaki, 38, learned from prison authorities Monday that he should not return to jail, confirmed well-informed advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC). "It is expected that he will be able to reclaim the money put down as security," MEC told Worthy News.
Sri Lanka eyes "anti-conversion" law that could harm Christians
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is calling for the establishment of an "anti-conversion" law he claims will "save this country" from the phenomenon of people converting from Buddhism to other religions, Christians say as a pretext for persecution.
Christians across America gather to pray for medical staff and patients
Christians across America drove to hospitals last week to pray for medical staff and coronavirus patients. States involved in the “park and pray” initiative included Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida. Those who attended the prayer gatherings were instructed to practice social distancing so as not to risk spreading the virus.
Texas Governor decrees religious services are "essential services"
In an amendment to his March 19 executive order on limiting the spread of coronavirus, the Governor of Texas has decreed that attending “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship” is as important as shopping for food or going to medical appointments. The executive amendment came into effect on April 2.
Burmese military jets burn Christian villages
The Burmese military allowed its jets to open fire on four Christian villages in the predominantly Buddhist country in March, killing 21 people and forcing thousands of others to flee to a neighboring region.
Iran Frees Christian Converts Over Coronavirus Concerns
Iran has released a Christian woman who was jailed after refusing to reconvert to Islam, activists confirmed to Worthy News. Rokhsareh (Mahrokh) Ghanbari, 62, is among some 85,000 prisoners freed in recent weeks amid concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19.